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Canberra's Junior Paulo insists team-mate Sia Soliola will learn from his five-week NRL suspension for knocking out Melbourne's Billy Slater.
Paulo backed his fellow forward to train hard during his ban before returning in the final round of the season, coincidentally against the Storm.
"Five weeks on the sidelines for Sia but it doesn't change who he is as a person off the field," Paulo said.
"Sia will cop it on the chin. I'm sure everyone learns their lesson on the field."
Soliola's brutal high shot on Slater in last Saturday's match at Canberra Stadium sparked the most anticipated judiciary hearing of the season on Tuesday night.
Paulo had breakfast with Soliola on Wednesday and said he was in good spirits despite the ban.
"Everyone loves having Sia around," Paulo said.
"He's one of those blokes who really gets the team going and lifts everyone's spirits when he steps into a room."
Soliola's suspension is a blow for the Raiders ahead of Saturday's match against South Sydney, a game in which the club's forwards depth will come under the microscope.
Veteran Jeff Lima has been recalled to the bench for his third game of the season, while Joe Tapine and Luke Bateman have been named to start.
Canberra is still without star second rower Josh Papalii, who is serving the second week of a two-game ban.
Meanwhile, journeyman Michael Oldfield is set to make his Canberra debut, replacing star winger Jordan Rapana who was suspended for one match over a shoulder charge.
With the Rabbitohs out of the finals race, Paulo said the pressure was on the Raiders to keep their season alive.
"Our season is not over yet," he said.
"Souths are definitely going to come out bolstering with a big pack and we're going to have to do the same."
Paulo, who is signed with the Raiders until the end of next season, revealed his management has entered talks with the club to extend his contract.
"Hopefully I get pen to paper soon," Paulo said.
AAP
Topics: nrl, rugby-league, sport, canberra-2600, act, australia